Art Garfunkel brings golden oldies to the Genesee Theatre

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

On The Town's weekly roundup of 5 activities spanning the leisure spectrum.

1. ART GARFUNKEL CONCERT

In keeping with the recent trend set by Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow, fellow old-timer Art Garfunkel is turning to standards for his latest CD and tour. "Some Enchanted Evening" (Rhino) glazes through the Great American Songbook, interpreting tunes by George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and Rodgers and Hammerstein, among others. Aside from covers, expect a wealth of Garfunkel solo material, as well as cuts from the Simon & Garfunkel catalog.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Genesee Theatre, 203 North Genesee St., Waukegan

Price: $35-$65; 847-263-6300 or www.geneseetheatre.com

2. "LA CAGE AUX FOLLES"

The French play turned French/Italian film turned American musical "La Cage Aux Folles" was ahead of its time in 1983, becoming the first Broadway show centered on a gay couple, a drag club and a set of conservative parents. Yet its elaborate production and comedic premise appealed to all audiences, and scored a best musical Tony Award. The latest revival comes with all the glitz and glamor.

Before this summer's seniors at Elmhurst College enter the professional world, they rate a final send-off at this 39th annual event. Nine of the school's art majors represent a wide variety of disciplines, including graphic design, photography, sculptures, painting, digital imaging and printmaking. Each student will be present at this creative celebration, explaining their work over refreshments. The exhibit runs at various times through May 28 with additional displays in the campus' Barbara A. Kieft Accelerator ArtSpace building (entrance at 253 Walter St.).

Saturday nights at the Willowbrook Ballroom are usually reserved for private parties, but this weekend the venue opens its doors to the public. Everyone who attends is expected to wear proper attire (no gym shoes and jeans) while catching the retro sounds of The Flat Cats. The band promises vintage and contemporary swing, plus touches of jazz, jump blues and standards.

Following the spring fever of World Wrestling Entertainment's WrestleMania 23 (during which Donald Trump shaved the head of company owner Vince McMahon), several independent leagues are trying to step up their variants of "SmackDown." The Ring of Honor (ROH) organization returns to Chicago Ridge, combining athletic competition with dramatic (and sometimes absurd) story lines. The card includes single and tag-team championship matches, a "Six-Man Mayhem" tag bout, plus the ROH farewell of hometown fighter "Classic" Colt Cabana. A surprise is also on the docket (in the past, retired WWE talent has shown up).